Bergeron ready for OSU, Hicks’ status in doubt

AUSTIN — Texas tailback Joe Bergeron on Tuesday declared himself recovered from a shoulder injury and “ready to go” for Saturday’s game at Oklahoma State. The status of his banged-up teammate isn’t quite so certain.

Bergeron, who hurt his shoulder on Sept. 15 at Ole Miss, said he practiced at full speed on Tuesday and has been cleared by UT’s staff.

“It was really nothing,” Bergeron said. “A little bit of bruising.”

Linebacker Jordan Hicks, who injured his hip at Ole Miss, wasn’t made available to the media. On Monday, coach Mack Brown said Hicks hadn’t practiced at all last week and wouldn’t be allowed to play at OSU unless he could practice Tuesday or Wednesday.

Bergeron said he knew Hicks was “out there” at practice Tuesday because the duo shook hands before the workout. When asked if Hicks was wearing pads, Bergeron said, “Of course,” before a UT official instructed reporters to change their line of questioning.

If Hicks, who leads UT in tackles, can’t play Saturday, the Longhorns will turn to either Kendall Thompson, Dalton Santos or Tevin Jackson as a replacement. Even though Thompson is listed as the official second-stringer at Hicks’ weakside position, Brown and defensive coordinator Manny Diaz said the backups at all three linebacker spots are candidates to step in.